BIOL 407 - Biology of Stem Cells

Multi-cellular plants and animals develop from totipotent stem cells that are capable of making every cell type within the organism and also preserving the information needed to make additional generations. In addition, stem cells within the body contribute cells to organs throughout life and can in many cases regenerate large amounts of tissue following damage. This course examines the biology behind stem cells, both embryonic and adult cells in plants and animals, focusing on the genes and pathways that make stem cells unique in their proliferative and differentiating capacity. Additionally, this course explores the basis for regeneration, including both stem cells and cellular dedifferentiation, and examines what may limit regeneration in certain systems where it does not occur. It also explores what happens when tight control over cell proliferation and differentiation is disrupted, leading to cancer.

Credits: 1.00
Corequisite:

BIOL 407L

Prerequisites:

BIOL 201

Major/Minor Restrictions: None
Class Restriction: None
Area of Inquiry: Natural Sciences & Mathematics
Core Component: None

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